Volunteer caretaker David Edgar, council greenspace supervisor Stacy Ferguson and West Otago Community Board councillor Michelle Kennedy led improvements to the Whisky Gully entrance area, including a fresh, bright mural on the wall of fully functional and regularly cleaned toilets.
As well as a convenient gateway to a variety of bush walks, the gully hosts a small water treatment base and is the fresh-water drinking supply to the community.
"It got its name because there is a golden tint to the water from what’s in the mountains," Cr Kennedy said.
"Whisky Gully has huge potential but it is a precious place that needs protecting and our respect for that starts with keeping it clean and beautiful."
Milton artist Alice Muir completed Nature Calls, a striking blue-on-gold tui and kowhai mural on the gully’s public rest-rooms on April 6.
Rubbish collection and anti-vandalism measures including a camera are also under way.
Clutha District Council approved $30,000 for improvements at Whisky Gully but the work to date has totalled just $1850. The community board has discussed the allocation of remaining funds to other reserves projects in West Otago.
